Thibodaux,
Louisiana is located in the heart of Cajun country on
Bayou Lafourche, less than an hour’s drive from world
famous New Orleans. Established in 1801 by Henry
Schuyler Thibodaux, our City has a culture all its own;
with influences of French and Spanish heritage.
Thibodaux is home to a state university, a federal park,
plantations, food, music and gatherings like no other.
Thibodaux boasts strong community involvement making
annual events such as Mardi Gras, Thibodaux Firemen’s
Fair and Thibodeauxville possible.

Mardi Gras is a Louisiana cultural event that stems from
the belief that celebrations of over indulgence should
precede the forty-day fasting period known to Catholics
as lent. Thibodaux’s carnival is a time for young and
old to get out and "Laissez Les Bon Temp Roulez" Cajun
Style with family oriented celebrations, parades and
parties. These community gatherings are a great way for
tourist and locals alike to get out and celebrate the
Mardi Gras season.

Louisiana’s largest all-volunteer fire department
sponsors the Thibodaux Fireman’s Fair and Parade during
the first weekend in May, which over the years has
evolved from a small family event to a large-scale
community celebration of over 50,000 people. It is the
oldest continuous annual parade dating back to 1858,
only skipping three years due to the Civil War. The fair
and parade honors and supports these volunteer firemen
who are well-trained and proudly devoted to the care of
all citizens with a pageant, auction, live music, rides
and great food. The fair funds up-to-date fire equipment
and continuous fire education and training.

Local
festivals abound in Bayou Country. Thibodeauxville Fall
Festival is an art, craft, food and music festival held
on the downtown streets where local merchants and
citizens come together to reminisce and celebrate
earlier days. Thibodeauxville is held on the second
Saturday of every November, sponsored by the Thibodaux
Chamber of Commerce. Thousands of visitors attend each
year and enjoy good food, good music and a good time as
well as to participate in the rubber duck race in Bayou
Lafourche.

Located on the banks of Bayou Lafourche, the Jean
Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve is
Thibodaux’s own Federal Park. Beautifully landscaped
grounds surround the lovingly restored Percy Lobdell
Building that houses a theatre for the performing arts,
a library and a museum of local culture and exhibits. At
the Thibodaux Playhouse, located in the park, is where
local actors showcase their talents for the community by
performing original plays and classics.

What's in a name
"Thibodaux" Video

The
Lafourche Parish Public Library is housed in the upper
level of the Jean Lafitte Center while the lower level
is dedicated to the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center
where visitors can learn about Thibodaux’s unique
culture and heritage. Through exhibits and videos,
visitors learn that Indian tribes originally inhabited
the area currently called Thibodaux as early as 1686 and
made alliances in 1699 with Iberville, who called them
river or bayou people. In about 1750, early French and
Spanish colonist came from New Orleans and established
their settlements along Bayou Lafourche. The bayou
became their chief means of commerce and is referred to
as the "Longest main street in the world."
Transportation, communication and fresh water made early
Thibodaux a thriving trade center. Many settlers, after
1755, took refuge with hospitable compatriots of
Thibodaux as a result of the expulsion of the Acadians
from Nova Scotia and the French refugees of the French
revolution. Many names and customs of present Thibodaux
residents reflect that of these early Acadian settlers.
Their hard-working, fun-loving culture is Thibodaux's
major influence.

The
flavor of southern Louisiana cooking is savored in
Thibodaux’s locally owned restaurants offering delicious
seafood and other southern and Cajun favorites. It's
southern hospitality at it’s best with popular bayou
side restaurants, golf course, 8 recreational parks, 2
major hotel chains, and the City’s Civic Center which is
home to music, antiques, basketball, RV hook-ups and
other fun events.

Visitors
into our beautiful City will feel protected while
touring around Thibodaux because of our progressive
Police Department.

There
is a quality hospital with doctors of every specialty
offering excellent "Care With a Personal Touch."
Churches of every denomination welcome residents and
visitors alike. Clubs and organizations open to
participation and membership on the local, national, and
international level.

Thibodaux,
Louisiana is the city "Where Yesterday Welcomes
Tomorrow." Many visitors who come to taste the flavor of
Thibodaux with its nearby swamp tours, hunting, fishing
and water sports come back to visit or retire in the
welcoming Queen City of Bayou Lafourche – Thibodaux,
Louisiana. We hope you will, too